Of all the plants we can grow in our own gardens, few are as valuable and useful as the mint plant. With so many types of mint available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect variety for your garden. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Mint is a perennial herb that can be found in everyday commercial items like toothpaste, gum, and beauty products. But it’s also a relatively easy plant to grow, even for those without the proverbial ‘green fingers’.
When I was growing up, there was a mint plant at the bottom of my Gran’s garden. It had been growing there since my dad was a little boy in 1956, and it’s still there in 2022. My Uncle John uses it to this day, and when my dad’s three mint varieties died off, he was able to take a cutting from my Gran’s old plant and now has a pot overflowing with fresh mint. It’s perfect!
About the Mint Plant
Let’s start with a quick rundown of everything you need to know about this highly versatile and delicious herb.
History and Origin
Mint, or mentha, is part of the Lamiaceae plant family, with about 25 known types of mint to date. It’s versatile and adaptive, sprouting in various regions around the world, from Asia to Europe. Mint provides us with a diverse selection of colors, with some plants showcasing flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Originating in the Mediterranean, mint has since spread throughout Europe and Asia. Its incredible ability for natural hybridization makes it one of the most adaptive plants in existence. The most noticeable feature of the mint plant is its distinctive and cool aromatic scent.
Common Uses For Mint
While we’re here for the plant itself and how to grow it successfully, I shouldn’t forget to mention some of the common uses for mint. Mint is most commonly used in cooking, whether it’s adding mint to a salad or stew, or making homemade mint sauce to pair with a roast lamb dinner. Mint is also used in beverages like tea, hygiene products like toothpaste and shampoo, and even as a simple home deodorizer.
22 Types of Mint
Due to its impressively adaptive nature, the mint plant has spread from its native Mediterranean heritage to most populated continents worldwide. Here is a complete list of the 22 mint plants you will find.
- Apple Mint: Native to western and southern Europe and the Mediterranean, apple mint is known for its fruity aroma and is used in teas, cocktails, and ice creams.
- Banana Mint: With a fruity aroma reminiscent of banana, this mint is used in beverages, cocktails, and salads.
- Basil Mint: Popular in various recipes, basil mint pairs well with pasta and is used to make pesto cream.
- Buddleia Mint: Primarily used for its ornamental qualities, buddleia mint features stunning purple flowers that attract butterflies.
- Cat Mint: Not to be confused with catnip, cat mint is a beautiful and fragrant ornamental plant with lavender-colored flowers.
- Calamint: Similar to cat mint, calamint produces small white flowers and is native to Europe, Asia, and America.
- Chocolate Mint: With an aroma akin to chocolate and a zesty punch, this mint plant thrives in colder weather.
- Corsican Mint: Known for its low-growing and moss-like appearance, Corsican mint is ideal for ground cover in gardens and has medicinal properties.
- Curly Mint: A variety of spearmint with leaves that look similar to parsley, curly mint is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Egyptian Mint: A rare mint plant used in ancient Middle Eastern cuisine, Egyptian mint offers a subtle flavor and is great for herbal teas and salads.
- Ginger Mint: A hybrid of spearmint and wild mint, ginger mint is known for its bright yellow-striped leaves and health benefits.
- Grapefruit Mint: This mint plant has a citrusy aroma, fuzzy green leaves, and beautiful purple flowers, making it a popular ornamental plant.
- Horsemint: Native to North America, horsemint has an aroma closer to thyme and a bitter taste.
- Lavender Mint: Often used in hygiene products and bouquets, lavender mint has fragrant leaves, pear-shaped leaves, and lavender-colored flowers.
- Licorice Mint: Known for its medicinal properties, licorice mint contains antioxidants and attracts butterflies and bees.
- Moroccan Mint: A popular traditional beverage in Morocco, Moroccan mint has large green leaves and a scent similar to spearmint.
- Orange Mint: With a citrusy aroma and flavor, orange mint is often used as an ingredient or garnish in specific cuisines.
- Pennyroyal Mint: Known as the mosquito plant, pennyroyal mint acts as a natural repellent but should not be used in recipes due to its toxicity.
- Peppermint: A hybrid of spearmint and watermint, peppermint has purplish square stems, dark green leaves, and violet flowers.
- Spearmint: Commonly used in toothpaste and cosmetics, spearmint has pointed bright green leaves and a less intense aroma than peppermint.
- Water Mint: Thriving in moist places, water mint has antibacterial properties and can be used for cleaning, tea, and salads.
- Wild Mint: Indigenous to various regions, wild mint has a strong minty aroma, toothed leaves, and a pale purple lobed flower cluster.
Mint Plant FAQs
You may still have some questions about the different types of mint plants, so let’s answer a few of those questions!
What Type of Mint is Easiest to Grow?
Mint is a highly adaptive plant that can grow on any soil. As long as the roots are in the shade and the leaves get ample sunlight, you can expect a mint plant to thrive. That said, spearmint is the most straightforward variety to grow as it is found almost everywhere.
What Conditions Are Good for Growing Mint?
The perfect conditions for growing mint include adequate dampness or moisture, well-draining soil, a balance between sunlight and shade, and fertile soil.
How Do I Know Which Type of Mint Plant I Have?
There are several factors to determine the type of mint you have, but a quick taste test is a good start. A leaf with a strong menthol aftertaste is usually peppermint, while a leaf with a sweeter and milder menthol aftertaste is likely spearmint. Climate also plays a factor in narrowing down the list.
Can I Grow Mint Indoors?
While you can try to grow mint indoors, it is generally more successful when grown outdoors in partial shade. Mint plants need space to spread and flourish.
Mint Thoughts
It’s truly astonishing how many variations of mint plants there are. Whether you want to add mint to your garden for its ornamental appeal or because you love the taste and aroma of mint in your cooking, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to grow this versatile plant. So go ahead, choose your favorite mint variety, and watch it grow and thrive in your garden!